Breakout Session 4 B: Explosives and Contraband Detection

DEVCOM CBC Olfactory Sciences has over 25 combined years of experience in managing programs, research and development projects, and test and evaluation efforts to better understand volatile organic compound dynamics to enhance odor detection capabilities of both handheld and stand-off detectors. The primary focus of Olfactory Sciences is to provide evidence-based solutions for existing knowledge or capability gaps in the field of canine olfactory threat detection and to conduct independent verification and validation (IV&V) efforts to authenticate technologies proposed for use by the working canine community or other communities desire to use working canines in a non-traditional manner. Their research also aims to provide insight into common misconceptions of the dynamics of odor detection and solutions regarding maintaining best practices in the storage, handling, and use of canine training aids. Highlighted projects include the modernization of the Canine Explosive Scent Kit, analysis of shelf-life and service-life of training aids, evaluation of the efficacy of commercial off the shelf canine training aids for use in canine training programs, vehicle search optimization based on odor dynamics, evaluation of trained explosive detection dogs to locate person-borne improvised explosive device configurations, IV&V of canine-borne wearables and sensors, enhancement of canine personal protective equipment and decontamination procedures, and a proof of concept program that trained dogs to successfully identify positive COVID-19 cases using non-invasive patient sample types. DEVCOM CBC Olfactory Sciences along with their collaborators, provide subject matter expertise to Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies as well as international programs to enhance operational canine teams.